Yes, if you cry out for discernment,
And lift up your voice for understanding,
If you seek her as silver,
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
Then you will understand the fear of the Lord,
And find the knowledge of God.

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Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Paper-Thin Faith

"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

There are certain pastors (many of those on TV) who say that being a Christian is all hunky-dory, happy, and trouble-free . . .
This is an interesting ideology. A positive one for sure.
It's also the most dangerous.
It creates what i call a "paper-thin faith". It dupes masses into thinking we'll be blessed with money, favor, respect, and unquestionable joy.

Explain to me then how a missionary can be beheaded for spreading the Gospel. Explain to me then how a pastor in a third-world country can contract a debilitating, painful, terminal disease.
Explain to me then why there are people under bridges who have no food or change of clothing--only their faith.Explain to me then why Christians do get persecuted (thank God it doesn't happen much here) all over the world for their faith.Explain to me then why Paul, one of the greatest of apostles, was imprisoned, tortured, expelled, and shunned.
Explain to me then why John was poisoned in prison.
Explain to me then why JESUS CHRIST Himself, the only Son begotten by God, would suffer torture, shame, ridicule, hate, and all manner of ill-will from mankind.

Let me answer those questions for you . . .

Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake.Matthew 24:9

Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.Matthew 10:21-22(this one i find especially interesting; "you will be hated by all..." Not just a few here and there, but by all of the world)

For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.Luke 9:24

As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” And Jesus said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”Luke 9:57-62

Christianity isn't a way to escape pain and misery.It's meeting pain and misery head on, and having peace in knowing that Jesus Christ is with you.

Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.Philippians 4:5-7